It's beautiful, but deadly. The Arden and Moats Falls area in Barbour County has been the site of several drownings and river rescues over the past few years. With summer just around the corner, law enforcement is warning people to be safe when they're out there.

"There are a lot of places in Barbour County and West Virginia that are designated swimming areas. They're safe, a lot of them have lifeguards, such as Audra State Park. We would encourage people to go to place that there are designated swimming areas," said Sheriff John Hawkins.

"White water is fun, if you know what you're doing with people who know what they're doing. But if you're going to drink and go out for a good time, and you think you can swim through that current, chances are, you can't," said Arden resident, Sherry Hubbard.

Those swift waters aren't the only danger in Arden.

Many people who visit the area drink alcohol, and then drive.

Residents said they're worried about reckless behavior because they have families who live very close to the river.

"We were walking on the road last year, and that scenario happened with the car. I've been riding my bike, and have had people throw beer cans and hit my leg. We kayak, so when we get out on the rocks, you put your hand out, and you cut it on glass, and there's trash. It doesn't leave a good feeling," said Hubbard.

Law enforcement will be stepping up enforcement around the Arden and Moats Falls area during the summer.

They said as long as people are responsible, there's no reason not to enjoy the area.

"We will strongly enforce drunk driving, we will arrest anyone who is drinking and driving. My best advice to them is to enjoy the beauty of the river, enjoy the area, but please respect the people who live there, and respect the law because we'll be there to enforce it," said Sheriff Hawkins.

It's also against state code to park within 10 feet of the roadway. Citations will be given to anyone who does park on the side of the road in Arden.

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